Giving Voice to Depression: Real Stories & Expert Support for Depression and Mental Health

This episode features Chloe, who opens up about her early struggle with depression beginning at age 11. After facing intense emotional pain, suicidal thoughts, and multiple crises during her teen years, Chloe’s journey shifted when a high school teacher noticed the signs and intervened. She recounts her attempt at suicide, the impact of a single caring conversation, and the long road to finding hope, purpose, and a life filled with meaning.Primary Topics Covered:Early signs of teen depressionSuicide ideation and attemptsThe impact of stigma and silenceImportance of trusted adult interventionRecovery, resilience, and finding purposeBeing a mental health advocate and coachTimestamps00:00 - Intro 00:11 - Meet the hosts 00:30 - Importance of shared experiences 01:48 - Recap of suicide prevention episodes 02:49 - Quotes from listeners and guests on surviving suicidal thoughts 05:33 - Chloe shares her mental health journey 06:06 - Silence and stigma around emotions growing up 07:03 - First panic attack at 16 07:38 - Teacher begins supporting Chloe 08:04 - Chloe’s suicidal thoughts intensify 09:35 - Unhelpful hospital response 10:28 - Mother's support begins 10:51 - Chloe reflects from the other side of depression 11:47 - Attempted second suicide around Christmas 12:31 - Teacher intervenes and saves her life 14:00 - Importance of asking directly about suicide 15:20 - Chloe recognizes hidden suffering in others 16:17 - Her first mental health advocacy effort: a 220-mile charity walk 16:50 - Moving to the U.S. for college and soccer 17:44 - Rediscovering joy and learning self-reflection 18:03 - How life has changed for the better 18:49 - Coaching and mentoring young athletes 20:13 - Importance of noticing signs and asking questions 22:15 - Trusting your gut instincts 23:38 - A neighbor story of caring and wellness check 24:38 - Conclusion and takeaway: Be a good neighbor 25:00 - Accessing podcast archives and support resourcesExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we continue our conversation with Ken Baldwin, one of the very few people to survive a jump from the Golden Gate Bridge. Ken shares candid insights into the thoughts that led him to that moment, the instant regret he felt, and the transformative journey of healing and recovery he has lived since.Ken’s story breaks down dangerous myths about suicide, emphasizes the importance of timely intervention, and highlights the power of connection, honesty, and supportive relationships. His message is clear: even in the darkest moments, recovery is possible, and life can still hold deep meaning and joy.This conversation is both raw and hopeful, offering encouragement to anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts and inspiration for those supporting loved ones through depression.Primary Topics Covered:Debunking myths about suicide and recoveryThe moment of regret and the will to liveHow intervention and support can save livesThe role of relationships and honest conversations in healingDepression’s lies vs. the truth of self-worthChoosing recovery and living a fulfilled lifeTimestamps:00:00 Intro and welcome 01:10 Continuing Ken Baldwin’s story from Episode 220 02:17 Debunking myths about suicide and intent 03:49 What Ken would tell his past self 05:08 The importance of intervention and support 06:04 The regret after jumping and realizing the impact on loved ones 06:50 Rediscovering the will to live 07:47 Shifting mindset from hopelessness to healing 09:17 Rebuilding trust in relationships after the attempt 10:03 The role of his wife as support and “guardian angel” 10:31 Living with depression without denying its risks 11:46 Why recovery is possible for anyone struggling 12:55 Ken’s gratitude for survival and his ongoing recovery 13:18 Reflection from hosts on Ken’s honesty and hope 14:39 Closing message: Depression lies, recovery is possibleExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Ken Baldwin shares his story of surviving a suicide attempt from the Golden Gate Bridge and the profound lessons he’s learned over the past three decades as a mental health advocate. Hosts Terry and Dr. Anita Sanchez explore the impact of suicidal ideation, the critical role of intervention, and the importance of recognizing depressive thoughts as symptoms—not truths. This episode emphasizes the lifesaving power of empathy, timely conversations, and the hope that recovery is always possible.Primary Topics Covered:Ken Baldwin’s survival story and recovery journeyThe misconception that suicidal individuals can’t be helpedThe emotional experience of living with depressionWhat might have prevented Ken’s suicide attemptThe impact of compassion, connection, and early interventionHow others can support someone experiencing suicidal ideationTimestamps:00:00 - Intro 00:11 - Meet the hosts: Terry and Dr. Anita Sanchez 01:11 - Recap of Episode 219 and introduction to Ken Baldwin’s story 01:38 - The Golden Gate Bridge Suicide Deterrent System 02:09 - The survivors’ shared message: instant regret 02:59 - Ken Baldwin’s background and advocacy 03:48 - How Ken began telling his story 05:19 - Honoring the courage of those who fight suicidal thoughts 06:48 - How suicidal ideation began for Ken 08:20 - Feeling like a failure and becoming suicidal 09:21 - Life and mental state between first and second attempts 10:30 - Daily dread and exhaustion from depression 11:50 - Could someone have changed the outcome? 12:40 - The power of offering help and hope 13:55 - The importance of recognizing early signs of suicidal ideation 14:13 - The role of intervention and how it could have helped 16:13 - Combating myths about suicide and recovery 18:19 - Why most suicidal individuals are ambivalent 19:28 - You don’t need credentials—just care 20:12 - Preview of next week’s episodeExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

What does it take to talk someone back from the edge of suicide? In this powerful episode, we hear from Kevin Briggs, retired California Highway Patrol officer known as the Guardian of the Golden Gate, who has spent countless hours having life-or-death conversations with people standing on the Golden Gate Bridge.Kevin opens up about his own struggles with depression and PTSD, how empathy—not authority—made him effective in helping others, and why slowing down and truly listening can be lifesaving. Terry and Anita reflect on the importance of upstream prevention, the role of connection in healing, and the reminder that help is always available—even before a crisis point.If you or someone you love is struggling, please know: you are not alone. Help is available. In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.Primary Topics CoveredKevin Briggs’ journey from military and law enforcement to mental health advocacyHow stigma shaped his early views on depression and what changed his perspectiveThe toll of untreated depression and PTSDLessons from conversations with more than 200 people contemplating suicideWhy empathy, patience, and slowing down matter in crisis conversationsThe importance of staying on medication and seeking the right therapistUpstream prevention: asking for and offering help before crisis hitsTerry and Anita’s reflections on breaking stigma and the power of human connectionTimestamps00:00 - Introduction and welcome 01:11 - Why Suicide Prevention Awareness Month matters 01:37 - Introducing Kevin Briggs and his courageous conversations 02:24 - Kevin’s background: military, law enforcement, and “macho” culture 02:38 - Early stigma: believing mental illness was weakness 02:59 - How depression impacted his life outside of work 03:37 - Diagnosis through the PHQ-9 and learning depression is real 04:25 - Accepting help and hope in recovery 04:37 - The nickname “Guardian of the Golden Gate” 05:05 - Guiding more than 200 people off the Golden Gate Bridge 06:05 - Finding the right therapist and medication support 06:40 - Why simply listening is often lifesaving 07:06 - Common triggers: financial stress, relationships, lack of access to care 07:41 - The danger of stopping medication suddenly 08:10 - Why dignity matters: people choosing to step back themselves 08:52 - The power of empathy over credentials 09:27 - What didn’t help: talking too fast and not slowing down 10:23 - Coping with the emotional toll of this work 11:01 - How Kevin cares for his own mental health (family, pets, medication) 12:16 - Reflections on upstream prevention and breaking stigma 13:40 - Making tough conversations safer and more common 14:16 - Reminder: call 988 in the U.S. if you need support 15:11 - Closing reflections and encouragementExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

What does it mean to live with suicidal thoughts every single day—and still choose to live?In this profoundly honest episode, Wally, a U.S. veteran and trauma survivor, shares what it’s like to manage chronic suicidal ideation without intent. From physical pain and brain injuries to trauma and toxic self-talk, Wally explains how he built an arsenal of mental health tools—mindfulness, cognitive therapy, personal inventory systems—and why talking about suicide needs to become safer, not more secret.This episode redefines what survival looks like and opens a critical, compassionate space for those navigating similar battles. Suicidal ideation is not always an emergency—it’s often a symptom asking to be heard. Wally shows us how to listen.CSSRS info link: http://cssrs.columbia.edu/wp-content/uploads/C-SSRS-Brochure-for-First-Responders-1.pdfPrimary Topics Covered:Differentiating suicidal ideation from suicidal intentWally’s personal experience living with chronic suicidal thoughtsThe role of pain, trauma, and TBI in persistent ideationWhy people avoid sharing suicidal thoughts—and the danger of stigmaWally’s Personal Assessment Scale for suicide safetyCoping strategies: CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and customized check-insCreating a mental health inventory for self-assessmentHow to support someone without trying to “fix” themThe power of curiosity, empathy, and asking the right questionsTimestamps:00:00 Welcome and introduction01:10 Suicidal thoughts on a spectrum: understanding the difference between ideation and intent02:04 The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (CSSRS)03:49 Meet Wally: Veteran, trauma survivor, and mental health advocate04:18 Why people keep suicidal thoughts secret05:11 Wally on managing suicidal ideation without being in crisis06:29 Childhood abuse and early trauma07:11 Military service, structure, and hard-earned wisdom07:45 Surviving a 45-foot fall and traumatic brain injuries08:24 Chronic pain and toxic self-talk after injury09:20 The daily mental ritual of dismissing despair10:33 Public conversations about suicidal ideation on social media11:00 Mental health tools: CBT, DBT, and breathwork11:45 Creating a personal inventory for self-assessment12:49 Wally’s three-level Personal Assessment Scale for suicidal ideation14:06 What to ask someone having suicidal thoughts15:17 Boundaries when offering help online or in person16:08 Holding space and creating safer conversations about suicide17:07 Reducing knee-jerk responses to suicidal ideation18:29 How to be a better listener and supporter19:11 Links to Wally’s blog, CSSRS, and personal inventory templateExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

What if the 12 Steps weren’t just for addiction—but also for healing from depression, PTSD, and trauma?In this transformative episode, Wally shares his personalized version of the traditional 12 Steps—revised for mental health instead of substance use. Drawing from decades of lived experience, he walks us through a deeply intentional, self-compassionate approach to healing that emphasizes grace, self-accountability, and supporting others.Wally’s steps incorporate therapy, medication, meditation, and more. They're not about perfection—they’re about progress and integrity. If you’re looking for practical tools to manage your mental health, or just need a new framework that speaks your language, this episode offers a powerful shift.Link to Wally's Twelve Steps: http://ogretrollhammer.com/wookiewiki/index.php?n=Main.TheMHTwelveStepsLink to AA's Twelve Steps: https://www.aa.org/twelve-steps-twelve-traditionsLink to Wally's Self-Inventory Template:http://ogretrollhammer.com/wookiewiki/index.php?n=Main.PersonalInventoryTemplatePrimary Topics Covered:Wally’s personal adaptation of the 12 Steps for managing mental healthHow black-and-white thinking can be rechanneled into accountabilityUsing the 12 Steps to address PTSD, depression, and chronic painGranting yourself the grace to be human—and why that mattersUnderstanding how trauma affects self-talk and internal integrityThe role of intentional living, mindfulness, and daily toolsWhy “all boats must be lifted” in relationships and recoveryTools beyond prayer: medication, therapy, meditation, self-inquiryTaking personal inventory through a mental health lensUsing lived experience to shine light and support othersTimestamps:00:00 Welcome and podcast introduction01:10 Meet Wally and learn how the 12 steps were reimagined for mental health02:33 Wally reads his “Mental Health 12 Steps” in full04:01 Why black-and-white thinking shaped his need for accountability06:04 Redefining step six: embracing effort over external fixes07:39 Step seven: granting ourselves the grace to be human08:20 How self-judgment spirals harm trauma survivors08:50 Catching negative self-talk with the reminder: “I’m human”09:13 Step eight: Understanding how symptoms affect relationships10:12 Empathy, understanding, and learning through amends10:57 Internal integrity and accountability to self11:35 “Intentional” living as a key to healing12:36 Tools for mental health: medication, therapy, meditation14:08 Step 12: Helping others through your own recovery story15:24 The power of visibility and being a light in dark places16:37 Psychologist reflections on accountability without shame17:41 Offering take-what-you-need tools for mental health management18:17 Closing thoughts and next steps for applying Wally’s modelExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

What happens when you decide there’s “no more BS” when talking about depression? In this candid and unfiltered conversation, Sarah, a 28-year-old actress and personal trainer, shares her lived experience with depression, suicidal thoughts, and the impact of stigma.She opens up about the role of hormones in her most severe episode, how suicidal ideation felt like it came “out of nowhere,” and why she chooses to speak openly and shame-free about mental illness. Sarah also shares the coping tools that help her most, from support groups to pug videos, and the mindset shift that keeps her going: “I don’t feel fine, but I am fine.”This episode is a reminder that stigma kills, but stories save lives—and that talking openly about depression can make all the difference.Link to the article quoted: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression/art-20047725Primary Topics Covered:Sarah’s decision to share her mental health story without shameHow depression distorts thought patterns and fuels suicidal ideationThe role of support groups in reducing isolationWhy stigma prevents people from seeking helpThe connection between hormones, birth control, and depressionTools Sarah uses to cope: community, movement, joy, and reframing thoughtsInsights from Mayo Clinic on hormones and depressionThe importance of speaking up and seeking treatmentTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and welcome 02:45 - Why sharing mental health stories matters 03:12 - Meet Sarah: no BS about depression 04:07 - How depression shifts thoughts toward worthlessness 05:01 - Alcohol, suicidal ideation, and finding safety in support groups 05:26 - Stigma, culture, and why emotions aren’t “sexy” 06:14 - Removing stigma to open doors for help 07:01 - The ups and downs of living with depression 07:39 - Sarah’s coping strategies: support groups, friends, pug videos 07:57 - The phrase that helps: “I don’t feel fine, but I am fine” 09:13 - Hormones, birth control, and suicidal depression 10:38 - Mayo Clinic insights on hormones and depression 14:50 - Symptoms to watch for and when to seek help 15:29 - Closing thoughts and resourcesExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

What role can pets play in surviving depression? In this heartfelt episode, Lori shares her powerful story of how her beloved rescue dogs helped her through family trauma, a painful divorce, and the darkest moments of depression.From the structure of daily walks to the unconditional love of her standard poodles, Lori explains how her pets provided companionship, protection, purpose, and even healing when she felt she couldn’t go on. Along with Terry and Bridget, she also reflects on how fostering, volunteering, or even simply pet-sitting can bring connection and relief to people who struggle.If you’ve ever wondered whether pets can really make a difference in mental health, this episode offers both real-life testimony and practical ways animals can help ease depression.Primary Topics CoveredHow pets provide unconditional love and loyalty during depressionFamily history of depression and how stigma silenced open conversationSurviving a painful divorce and how dogs kept Lori goingThe healing role of therapy dogs and rescue petsHow walking dogs created structure, purpose, and daily connectionDistraction and grounding: focusing on pets instead of painThe calm and peace that pets bring into chaotic timesPractical ways to bring animals into your life, even if you can’t own oneTimestamps00:00 - Introduction and episode overview 01:13 - Why pets can be powerful allies in mental health 01:35 - Meet Lori: a lifelong dog lover and mental health advocate 02:10 - Family history of depression and silence around mental illness 03:42 - Lori’s personal struggles and painful divorce 04:33 - How her dogs kept her alive during her darkest year 05:09 - The healing role of her rescue poodles 06:07 - Loyalty, protection, and companionship in hard times 06:20 - How walking dogs provided structure and purpose 07:17 - Pets as a lifeline during chaos and depression 08:06 - Walking and crying: the release of grief with dogs by her side 09:04 - Distraction and focusing on pets instead of depression 09:56 - How medication and dogs together built a safety net 11:22 - The calming presence of pets and the peace they bring 13:12 - The role of human connection alongside pets 14:10 - Daily check-ins and accountability with a best friend 15:47 - Advice: rescue, foster, volunteer, or pet-sit if you can’t own a pet 16:29 - Closing reflections and resourcesExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

What if the hardest part of surgery wasn’t physical recovery, but emotional healing? In this episode, Jordan shares his journey with post-surgical depression and anxiety after undergoing open-heart surgery at just 24 years old.He describes how intrusive thoughts, shame, and hopelessness set in after his operation—and how getting the right diagnosis and treatment (including medication) finally brought relief. Jordan also opens up about living with anxiety, why “calm down” is the worst thing you can say to someone experiencing it, and how curiosity, listening, and silence can be the most supportive responses.Terri and Dr. Anita also share their own experiences with post-surgical mood changes, highlighting how common and under-discussed they are. This episode is both validating and practical, reminding us that emotional recovery is just as real—and just as important—as physical healing.Primary Topics CoveredJordan’s open-heart surgery at age 24 and its impact on mental healthThe difference between physical and emotional recovery after surgeryPost-surgical depression (cardiac depression) and how common it isIntrusive thoughts, shame, and the link to OCDHow medication (SSRIs) eased anxiety and intrusive thoughtsWhy “calm down” is not helpful for someone with anxietyBetter ways to support people living with anxiety or depressionTerri and Dr. Anita’s own experiences with post-surgical depressionThe importance of recognizing and naming post-surgical emotional strugglesTimestamps00:00 - Introduction and welcome 02:21 - Anxiety and depression often go hand-in-hand 03:07 - Jordan’s story: diagnosed with congenital heart condition at 24 03:36 - The shock of open-heart surgery for a young athlete 04:21 - Emotional recovery harder than physical recovery 04:54 - Intrusive thoughts, shame, and depression after surgery 05:45 - Post-surgical depression: how common it is after heart surgery 06:32 - Struggles with medical professionals and finding the right psychiatrist 06:54 - OCD diagnosis, SSRI medication, and relief from intrusive thoughts 07:36 - Jordan explains what anxiety feels like from the inside 08:08 - Why telling someone to “calm down” makes things worse 09:32 - How to truly support someone with anxiety 11:40 - Misconceptions about asking people about suicide or anxiety 12:25 - Why talking openly creates safety and connection 13:56 - Jordan’s closing reflections: self-knowledge and validation 14:46 - Terri and Dr. Anita share their own post-surgical depression experiences 17:00 - Closing thoughts and resourcesExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

What happens when your job contributes to your anxiety and depression? In this episode, former Unilever executive Jeff MacDonald shares his personal story of being diagnosed with anxiety-fueled depression, how he navigated the stigma in corporate culture, and why he decided to speak openly about his struggles.Jeff discusses the challenges of returning to work while still in recovery, the risks many employees face when disclosing mental health concerns, and how stigma silences far too many. He also highlights how organizations benefit when they prioritize emotional well-being—not just physical safety—and why breaking stigma is both good for people and good for business.If you’ve ever wondered how to talk about mental health at work, or how organizations can better support their employees, this episode is an honest, practical, and hopeful conversation about ending stigma and building workplaces where people can truly thrive.Primary Topics Covered:Jeff MacDonald’s diagnosis with anxiety-fueled depressionWhy stigma keeps employees from talking about mental health at workReturning to work as part of recoveryThe role of leadership in shaping workplace cultureWhy organizations must invest beyond “wellness weeks”How breaking stigma improves employee engagement, loyalty, and retentionPractical advice for having vulnerable workplace conversationsThe powerful role of love and hope in recoveryTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and welcome 00:56 - The pressure of masking depression at work 01:37 - When the job itself contributes to mental health struggles 02:13 - Jeff MacDonald’s story: high stress, misdiagnosis, and anxiety-fueled depression 03:00 - Four months away from work and the recovery process 03:23 - Returning to work gradually and finding purpose again 04:13 - The liberation of receiving a diagnosis 04:45 - How position and credibility helped Jeff speak openly 05:41 - Why stigma keeps most employees silent 06:28 - Advice: when to disclose and when to seek help outside work 07:27 - Few organizations truly addressing stigma—less than 10% 07:49 - How COVID changed workplace mental health conversations 08:30 - The duty of care: why mental health matters as much as physical safety 09:14 - Breaking stigma as good business: costs of presenteeism and turnover 09:51 - Younger generations demanding workplaces that care 10:39 - Beyond wellness weeks: real organizational responsibility 11:40 - Why superficial wellness programs aren’t enough 12:34 - Speaking the language executives understand: energy and performance 13:33 - Overcoming fear of hard conversations about mental health 14:06 - How to start a supportive workplace conversation 15:22 - Jeff on love and hope as keys to recovery 17:35 - Reflections on stigma, culture, and real change 18:46 - Closing thoughts and encouragementExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/